I love going to Branson for vacation several times a year! In fact, we just got back from our Christmas trip there just a week ago and we loved it! I am already creating my Spring Break packing list since it is just a few months away!

I am all about packing light! Here is how to have an ton of outfits with just 8 mix and match main pieces!!

I absolutely love living in Oklahoma! You can experience all 3 seasons in just 1 week! That being said, you need to have some versatility in your wardrobe! Here are my Fashion Staples for the Southern Belle!

Dresses

Little Black Dress

Summery Dress

Pretty Day Dress

Long-Sleeve Knit Dress

Sweater Dress

Tops

Cardigans

Simple Black Tee

Simple White Tee

White Cotton Button Front

Silk Blouse

Dressy Tank

Camisoles

Chambray Blouse

Bottoms

Skinny Jeans

Colored Skinny Jeans

Flare Jeans

Bootcut Jeans

Khaki Trousers

Black Trousers

Black Pencil Skirt

Colored Pencil Skirt

Cotton Mini Skirt

Maxi Skirt

Outerwear

Trench Coat

Wool Coat

Fleece Jacket

Lightweight Jacket

Black Blazer

Bling

Diamond Studs

Pearl Studs

Gold Dangles

Silver Dangles

Pearl Necklace

Silver Pendant Necklace

Gold Ring

Silver Ring

Watch

Simple Bracelet

Accessories

Shawl

Sunglasses

Floppy Sunhat

Umbrella

Colorful Opaque Tights

Neutral Leather Purse

Evening Clutch

Casual Tote bag

Colorful Skinny Belt

Tan Skinny Belt

Wide Brown Waist Belt

Wide Black Waist Belt

Well-Fitting Lacy Underpinnings

Black Bikini

One Piece Swimsuit

Colorful Bikini

Shoes

Black Ballet Flats

Loafers

Sneackers

Black Sandals

Tan Sandals

Black Pumps

Colorful Heels

Tall Brown Boots

Tall Black Boots

Brown Booties

Black Booties

Nude Colored Heels

Flip Flops

This is just a basic list of what I have in my closet! It basically covers the fashion staples every girl should own as a basic wardrobe.

Wow! What a month February was. With Izzy turning 5 and her birthday party, I am totally wiped out. I am super excited that the first day of spring is March 20th. Here in Oklahoma, spring is about every other day (lol). With warmer weather just around the corner, It is time to update my wardrobe with some brighter colors.

1. Chambray Shirts– I bought a chambray (denim) shirt that has a lace back. I wear that thing everywhere with everything. I wear it with jeans, colored skinnies, leggings, over dresses, over skirts, with scarves, everything! LITERALLY! If you do not own a chambray shirt, GO BUY ONE… NOWWWWW…. You will wonder how you ever dressed without one!

2. Colored Skinny Jeans- I love these! They come in a million colors! For spring, I like to choose pastel colors rather than super bright, but that is just me. A spring color I am in love with is Mint. It is such a pretty color and looks great on virtually any skin tone.

3. Mint Colored Purse- Once again, I am Absolutely in love with Mint.

4. Something Green- St. Patty’s Day is March 17th! Wear your green, or get pinched…

5. A Spring Dress- Get a pretty spring dress for Easter! Easter is March 31st this year. I like to look for “Easter-wear” I can wear all spring and summer. I choose a light dress and a cardigan to go over it!

How do those women get put together the cutest outfits all the time and don’t sweat it? They know the formula. Yep, there is a formula for creating the perfect outfits! It is quite simple and easy to remember!

Now you get the idea! Keep in mind also that your accessories need to work with your outfit. Don’t choose anything that clashes, like a neon orange watch with a muted tone outfit. Have fun and start creating stunning outfits!

A majority of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Here is a guide to how to fit yourself for a bra!

Band Placement– The band of the bra should be centered across the back with the straps adjusted to the tops of the shoulders.

CORRECT PLACEMENT

BAD- The band is too big. Even though the straps are tightened, the band rides up the back causing the breasts to hang down low.

BAD- The band is too big. The band is pulled down low in the back. The straps cannot be tightened because it will cause the band to ride up in the back.

Front Underwire Placement– With a well fitted bra, the band will be snug enough to fit around the ribcage to support the weight of the breasts. The underwire will go around the breasts and will rest where the breasts meet the ribcage. It will also lay flat against the chest. The straps will also rest on the shoulders and should not dig in.

CORRECT UNDERWIRE PLACEMENT

INCORRECT UNDERWIRE PLACEMENT- I call the the “uni-boob”!

CORRECT SHOULDER STRAP PLACEMENT

INCORRECT SHOULDER STRAP PLACEMENT

Side Underwire Placement- The side of the bra should fit almost to your armpit.

INCORRECT CORRECT

INCORRECT CORRECT

INCORRECT CORRECT

MEASURING FOR THE CORRECT FIT

Get a soft measuring tape. This is the only time of measuring tape that can be used for accurate measurements. You can get them at Wal-Mart for around $1.

Take off your bra. Almost all women wear cup sizes that are too small which smushes the breasts down causing the measurement to seem smaller than it really is.

Measure around your rib cage. This measurement will determine your band size. Measure right underneath your breasts where a bra band would normally sit. Do not pull to tightly, but it does need to be somewhat snug. If you measure 34 1/4 or 34 1/2, round it down to 34 instead of up. The reason for this is that bras lose elasticity every time you wear them so the fit will only get less and less supportive. When you first purchase a bra, it needs to feel snug, but not too tight on the loosest hook. As the bra stretches, you can move the hooks in tighter to maintain support.

Measure across the widest part of your bustline horizontally, not vertically. Just measure across your nipples at the widest part of your breasts. Nothing needs to be done to this number except for rounding up instead of down. So, if you measure 41 1/2, just round it up to 42.

Do a little math. Take the number from step number 4 and subtract it from step number 3. The band size we used earlier was 34 and the bust measure was 42, so we will do 42-34= 8.

So, you will have an 8 inch difference for the cup size so your bra size is a 34H. Here is the chart below:

I found this info from this site. You can find more bra fitting info there!

In my last post, I talked about packing light while still taking everything you need! When I will be gone for a week or more, I tend to try to pack more stuff. No. That will not happen. Like I said, I need to pack smarter, not harder! Here is how I can pack 16 pieces to make 40 different outfits. No way, that is impossible to pack such few pieces and make 40 outfits! Or is it? Just wait and see!

The Basics

First pick some basic pieces! This is the foundation for your travel wardrobe. I choose solid colors and basic silhouettes. Here are the examples of what I pack.

Bootcut Jeans- I pack bootcut jeans because they go great with any shoes and they can be rolled into capris. I opt out of skinnies while I am on vacation because I want to relax and they can’t be easily rolled into capris if it gets hot outside.

White Button Front Shirt- I usually choose a lightweight material that breathes.

Gold Pendant Necklace- Basic, yet outstanding! What more could you ask for in a necklace?

A Trendy Hat- Whether it is a fedora or a sunhat, I always choose white.

Watch- Any basic watch will do!

Brown Gladiator Flat Sandals- Love these, and they are cute!

Wedge Heel Shoe- Wedges are the most comfortable heels in the world!

Flip Flops- These are a fashion must in the south! I have them in every color possible!

Tennis Shoes- These are perfect for when I will be walking around the zoo or going to the park with my daughter!

Beach Tote- A Large beach tote can be a life saver! Use it as a purse, beach bag, grocery bag, souvenir bag, diaper bag, or pretty much anything you can think of! I actually bought an oversized one and pack everything in it to take on the trip! No duffel bag or suitcase needed!

Cross Body Bag- I love cross body bags! They are perfect for having everything you need right there next to you and cannot be easily stolen while you wear it.

21. Put your dry jeans inside a plastic bag in your freezer for two days to zap odors and kill bacteria without washing them.

22. Hoop earrings are a classic style for every woman!

23. If you wear leather shoes without socks, always stuff them with a soft cloth when your done wearing them. This absorbs moisture and helps them keep their shape.

24. Sprayed too much perfume?? Use unscented, oil-based make up remover to remove the excess perfume without having to take a shower.

25. To achieve the perfectly effortless cuffed sleeve, keep the top button buttoned while you roll.

26. Don’t buy items you know you will not care for properly. If you know your not going to hand wash that delicate cami or beaded sweater, don’t buy it.

27. “The best way to store fashion jewelry is in ziploc bags. The helps the pieces retain luster and reduces tarnishing and scratches.” -Jordan Weingartner, Founder of I Love Jewelry Auctions.

28. Silk pillocases prevent sleep creases and are also much gentler on your hair and skin.

29. Windex restores the glossy sheen on patent leather without doing any damage.

30. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-fitting, stylish winter coat. It can make the whole outfit look put together.

31. You can still look chic while showing some skin. If you are wearing a mini skirt or shorts, keep more covered up on top. If your top is a bit skimpy, go for full coverage bottoms!

32. The perfect length for a pencil skirt should hit right above your knee. Any longer and it will start to shorten your leg.

33. Bras you wear everyday should be replaced every 3-6 months. That is when they start to lose their elasticity and support. Higher end bras can be replaced every 6-9 months. That is including Victoria’s Secret brand!

34. When you are shopping for a jacket, coat, or blazer, pay attention to the fit around the shoulders. A tailor can tweak pretty much anything about the fit of a jacket except the shoulders. The seam should sit perfectly at the bony tops of your shoulders.

35. To determine if pearls are real, lightly rub them over your teeth. Fake pearls will be perfectly smooth while real ones have a slightly gritty or textured feel.

36. Break in stiff or too snug shoes by slipping on thick socks and blasting your feet with a hot air dryer.

37. When getting jeans shortened, always ask your tailor to reattach the original hem. It may cost extra, but it’s worth it.

38. Use Dawn dish soap to remove grease stains from clothing!

39. To stretch shoes that are too tight, fill to ziploc bags with water and place in each shoe. Put them in the freezer overnight and it will gently expand your shoes.

40. Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse cycle while doing laundry to maintain the wash of your favorite pair of dark jeans.

41. Use hairspray to remove lipstick stains.

42. Panty lines are not okay! Invest in a nude thong or seamless underwear!

43. Blot, don’t rub, when you spill something on your clothes. Wiping or rubbing will actually further ingrain the stain into your clothes.

44. Double stick tape works to shorten a hem in a pinch if you can’t get to the tailor before an event.

45. Shopping for a wedding dress or another big event outfit? Go to the store with make up on, proper undergarments, and your hair fixed to get a better sense of how it’ll look!

46. Spray tights with sticky hairspray to prevent holes and runs.

47. If you get wax on a piece of clothing, layer wax paper over the hardened wax and then run an iron over it to loosen it up. Once you pull off the paper, the wax should come right off with it.

48. Never put your swimwear in a washing machine and always hang it to dry. The machine will damage the suit and cause it to lose its elasticity. The only exception is at the end of summer or vacation, wash your swimwear in a mesh lingerie bag on the gentle cycle. Do this only after many wears.

49. Wondering about the quality of your cashmere? Gently stretch the body of the garment to see if it snaps back. A lower quality cashmere won’t.

50. Always organize your clothes going light to dark from left to right in your closet. Your eye will follow the color and thus help you stay more organized.

51. If you get an oil stain on your favorite handbag, coat the mark with baby powder and let it stand overnight. By morning, the stain should be gone.

52. Remove white deodorant marks from a garment by gently rubbing the protective foam used on store hangers against the fabric.

53. Wash new jeans twice before taking them to the tailor to be shortened. Jeans will always shrink in length when washed.

54. Use white wine to remove a red wine stain.

55. Always wash cashmere by hand. To dry it, use a salad spinner, which releases excess water in seconds.

So, here is my list of 50 piece you need to have in your closet! These are super versatile pieces that can be worn with virtually anything for any occasion!

THE CLOTHES

1. Dark Wash Skinny Jeans-Make sure they fit well and are long enough. They should reach your heel. These can be tucked into boots or cuff them with flats. The options are endless!

2. The Chambray Top- This shirt is such an amazing and essential piece. If you are a chambray shirt virgin, things to look for in a chambray shirt are that it should be fitted, but not tight! I love to put a cute cami under them!

3. Flare Jeans- Make sure they are long enough to wear with heels. These are perfect for a polished look or a casual look! Seven for all Mankind makes great ones.

4. White Blouse- This fashion staple can be worn with anything. I love a white button front! They are super cute and can be worn open with a cami underneath!

5. Striped Long Sleeve Shirt- These are always comfortable and are a nautical timeless piece that is always in style.

6. Black Blazer- Most people think, “Black blazers are only to be worn with suits and on business women. They are not for me.” I was once one of those people until my blazer awakening. I wear it over dresses, with skirts, I even wear it with jeans! You can wear it with anything. Just make sure it looks very tailored and expensive!

7. Colored Jeans- Once again, I know exactly what you are thinking, but I was once there. I thought colored jeans were just for tweens and teens. I bought a pair of red skinny jeans and they are my favorite pair! I wear my white button front with them for a chic look!

8. Little Black Dress- Everyone needs that little black dress. There are so many different style to choose from. Whether it is a peplum, lace, a cut out back, make sure it is anything but boring.

9. Leather Jacket- This is a great investment. If you buy a quality one, it will last forever. Get one with a classic shape in either black or brown. Colored leather may go out of style, but black and brown will always be in style and always go with everything.

10. Tweed Jacket- A tweed jacket can add texture to a flat outfit. You need to once again make sure the look is tailored.

11. A Jean Jacket- I like a cropped jean jacket, but a full length jean jacket is super timeless. You can roll up the sleeves to make it 3/4 length! I wear them over dresses and pretty much with any outfit!

12. Cut off Denim Shorts- Pair these with classy pieces to avoid looking like an overgrown teenager. They are a must have in the south in summer time!

14. White Tee- A white T-shirt is a basic piece to build outfits on! Don’t go for anything too tight or too loose. I love a v-neck and also scoop neck tees. They are so girly and chic!

15. Day Dress- This is your everyday dress you can wear anywhere. This looks great from going out shopping or to lunch with your bff. Make sure it works with your body and is easy to layer!

16. Cardigans- I love cardigans! They go with everything and come in a multitude of colors, lengths, and shapes! I buy as many of these as I can!

17. Striped Blazer- Once again, you can wear it with ANYTHING!!

18. Black Skinny Jeans- Black makes you look slimmer. What more do I have to say???

19. Crew Neck Sweater- I choose ones that reflect my personality. I love embellishments and I make sure mine have plenty of embellishments.

20. The Sexy Dress- For the days you want something flirty and fun! Don’t go overboard though.

21. Pencil Skirt- I usually go with a black pencil skirt that hits at the knee or a little above. It should display your curves, but not be skin tight. It is great for work or cocktail hour!

22. Pea Coat- Make sure it has shape and does not make you look boxy.

23. A Winter Coat- Jewel Tones are cute and fun! I like mine to be warm since I am in Oklahoma and the winters can be brutal!!

24. Strapless Backless Nude Bra- I love these bras that stick to your boobs, but lift them up! It is a must have. You can opt for a nude strapless bra if this is not for you!

25. A Seductive Bra- This should make you feel like a Victoria’s Secret Model. Go get personally fitted. It will change your life. 75% of women wear the wrong size bra!

26. No Show Underwear- Whether it is a nude thong, or nude boyshorts, it should be seamless!

THE ACCESSORIES

27. Black Thin Waist Belt- It pulls you in at all the right places and could make a burlap sack fabulous!

28. A Nude Belt- For shapeless outfits that are lighter in color.

29. A Big Sunhat- I love big floppy sunhats! They are cute at the beach, or at your son’s soccer game!

30. Winter Gloves- Get a cute pair of winter gloves! I love leather gloves! They keep my hands warm plus they are waterproof and cute!

31. Infinity Scarf- They are just as comfortable as they are fashionable.

32. A Red Handbag- Choose a classic shape with great quality. It will serve you well for years!

33. Black Tote- Pick a trendy one! I love quilted details or chain straps! It will be a lifesaver for last minute trips or for when your purse can’t fit all your crap in it (mine usually can’t)!

34. Cross body Bag- I didn’t realize how essential this was until I brought one to the zoo! It was so nice having all my stuff right there and so close to me without having to lug around an uncomfortable purse for 8 hours.

35. Clutch- For special occasions or going to lunch. I love the oversized clutches!!

36. The Perfect Watch- This is a piece that will never fail you and can be worn with just about anything. I love blingy watches because they reflect my personality.

46. Strappy Sandals- This does not mean flip-flops. I love ones that include a little metal or leather detail.

47. The Ankle Bootie- These are also called “Chelsie” boots. You can wear these with jeans or a dress! The possibilities are endless. I like ones that have a peep-toe!

48. Black Knee High Boots- Super chic paired with black leggings or skinny jeans! I like flat ones, but I also have a pair of heeled ones for dressing up a little bit!

49. The Ballet Flat- I bought them in virtually every color! These are so comfy I can wear them shopping all day!

50. The Nude Heel- These make your legs look longer, but they also go with everything! If you tend to look like a newborn baby calf when walking in heels, I would go for a wedge.

So here is the list of 50 must have pieces. I like to shop around and gradually buy these items! I also hit clearances to get great items for a bargain! Remember to always look chic and sophisticated, but fashionable rather than like a teenager wanna-be.

Ok, so I know I am 13 days late in this post, but here are the must buys for February 2013!!!

1. Cardigans– Cardigans are the perfect piece for the transition of seasons (especially in Oklahoma). They are great to throw on for a cool morning or roll up the sleeves when it gets warmer! These come in a variety of styles and colors. See my post about dressing your shape for tips on what styles to buy!

2. A sexy date night dress- Go for something not too revealing. I prefer backless dresses. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I would opt for something with a little more sex appeal than what you would normally wear, but be classy with it. Don’t wear a super short dress that your assets could fall out of. Think about your best features and accentuate them!

3. Pastel Clutches- Stock up on these great accessories in great spring pastels! I love mint and posy pink! These can go with virtually any outfit and are great for taking shopping so you won’t have to deal with a large, bulky purse.

4. NÜDITI Bra™– This revolutionary bra is great for those backless and strapless dresses and shirts! You can buy it at David’s Bridal for $30! It is the best investment I have ever spent!

5. False Eyelashes- I usually wear false eyelashes on dates and other special events. I would invest in a good pair to wear multiple times!